Christmas
is growing near! You are probably concerned with what kind of present
you can give to that hard-to-please daddy of yours. Well, you’re
in luck! I have the perfect gift! All it will take is some
of your time, lots of your creativity, and a few inexpensive materials
to make the most wonderful, beautiful, and cherished tie your daddy ever
wore to a business meeting! To get started, you’ll need
a solid colored tie which you can find at Wal-Mart for less than $3.
White is my favorite, but be sure it is a light color so your illustration
will stand out like a diamond in a pea pod.You’ll also need some paper
and a pencil for the designing phase. Other than the tie and design
materials, the only other thing you’ll need is several paint pens in bright
fluorescent colors. After gathering these materials, get ready for the
designing phase of your project. The type of design you choose
should depend upon your father’s interests and your drawing preferences,
so mess around with several sketched designs on your tie-shaped paper first.
Start simple, with various shapes until one sends fireworks into your brain.
Knowing your dad as well as you do, no doubt the fireworks in your mind
will set off Romancandles in his as well. Having decided on the basic
design, pencil-in details until your picture is perfect. Now, you’re
ready to create your masterpiece. Before you begin working on
the tie, wash your hands well so no fingerprints creep into your magnum
opus-- (that means “great work!”)--to sabotage your art. Pull it
tight by laying a heavy book at the narrower top and holding the wider
bottom with one hand. With a black, fine-tipped pen, outline your
design carefully and let it dry thoroughly so your later colors won’t run
together with it chaotically. Next, it is time to complete your masterpiece
by adding the bright, exciting colors. Have fun as you work!
Occasionally, step back to get a holistic view of your work. Can
you just imagine your daddy’s face light up when he sees it for the first
time? Don’t forget to sign your work in your tiniest handwriting
at the very bottom of the tie! Wah-la! You are finished! When your father opens your
special gift on Christmas Eve, you can be sure to get a Santa Claus-style
hug from the man you love the most! If you peek into his bedroom
that night, don’t be surprised to see him kneeling beside his bed, thanking
God for you, and then, wearing your tie to bed.